Statement : Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
February 12, 2020
Statement
"While USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasted a rise in net farm income in 2019, due in most part to direct government payments, there are alarming trends in the agricultural sector that must be examined and addressed. Last year, according to USDA, farm debt reached record levels at $416 billion. Farm bankruptcies are at their highest levels since 2011. These trends appear to raise significant warning signs for the year ahead and I would like to hear from our witnesses on their outlook for 2020."
February 11, 2020
Statement
"We have to do everything that we can possibly do to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, and mismanagement. We need to ensure that all of the USDA programs, over which our subcommittee has oversight, are operated with the best possible efficiencies in order to create the best possible outcome for those who use the agency."
October 16, 2019
Statement
"The research is clear – providing, and expanding access to, healthy, nutritious food improves children’s academics and their overall health. Food insecurity is not only a health issue, but also a national security issue."
September 25, 2019
Statement
"Our farmers, ranchers, and producers don’t just feed our own nation, they help feed the world. The commodities we send abroad are a gift from the American people and it is our duty to ensure this generosity is treated with great care to make the most positive impact around the world that we can."
June 19, 2019
Statement
"Today we continue investing For the People with H.R. 3055, consisting of five fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills that offer a brighter future for American families and make American communities safer and stronger."
June 4, 2019
Statement
"The Fiscal Year 2020 Agriculture Appropriations bill rejects the President’s misguided budget and instead invests in important initiatives for the people. The bill would reduce hunger at home and abroad, support rural development and our farmers, and ensure the FDA is properly funded to meet the growing needs of regulating our food, medicines, and more."
June 4, 2019
Statement
"The Fiscal Year 2020 allocation for this bill is $24.310 billion – four percent above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, but more than $5.1 billion above the budget request. Once again, this bill rejects many of the Administration’s draconian cuts to programs that assist our rural communities and vulnerable populations."
May 23, 2019
Statement
"The bill before us rejects the President’s misguided budget and instead invests in important initiatives for the people.The Fiscal Year 2020 Agriculture Appropriations bill would reduce hunger at home and abroad, support rural development and our farmers, and ensure the FDA is properly funded to meet the growing needs of regulating our food, medicines, and more."
May 23, 2019
Statement
"Our fiscal year 2020 allocation is $24.310 billion – four percent above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. This is more than $5.1 billion above the budget request. ... It is a strong bill that makes extremely important and necessary investments in our rural communities, farm programs, and vulnerable populations."
April 10, 2019
Statement
First, I want to recognize our colleagues, Representatives Pingree, McCollum and DeLauro for suggesting this topic. I am delighted we are having this hearing.
Today’s topic is sustainable agriculture. Specifically, the economic opportunities for farmers through such practices.
To be sure, our farmers have known for a long time that implementing simple practices such as crop rotation or no-till can increase both soil health and their bottom lines.